2. amps-preamps
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What tube amp for Harbeth 40.1

I am looking for a tube amp for Harbeth 40.1.  I know many suggest SS amp such as Accuphase, Luxman, Hegel, McIntosh ... etc for Harbeth, but I decided to keep it with tube.  I also don’t think I need a lot of power.  I currently have a 8W custom built 300B and had a 18W Almarro 318B, and to me, they sound fine.  However, I think more power will help, and I never know what I missed until I try it out.  Having said that, I don’t think I need crazy power.  Anything 30-80W is good enough for me.  I am 3m away from the speakers, listen to Jazz at avg 83dB.

i have the following short list:
1) PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated
2) Leben CS600X 
3) Linear Tube Audio Z40

Which one do people like with Harbeth?  Any other suggestion?

Among all qualities, I value holographic presentation the most.  I really like the feeling as if the singer is floating in front of me, if you know what I mean.  And my current 300B do pretty well in this regards, and I read this is what SET amps are good at.  Will I be disappointed with the above?
Thanks.
gte357s
aj523
373 posts
 
@gkr7007

Agreed. Mark’s engineering/architecture of Berning’s technology is a sonic marvel amd masterpiece, so much so that I’m going to be running the zotl ref40 as monoblocks controlling my 40.2 A's through the microzotl.

@gte357s

Why not find a used McIntosh tube preamp so you know you’ll have a match.


gte357s OP
281 posts
 
@aj523 actually, I don’t know.  Is it better to matching the brand, or try to find “the best” preamp regardless of the brand?  The McIntosh preamps are expensive too ... because of the brand, I think.  I just feel for the same money I may be able to get something better.  For example, 
- Coincident Line Stage
- Supratek 
- LTA preamp

... or Luxman?  I like the brand.
aj523
373 posts
 
@gte357s 

Ok all tubes i see.  My point was that if you start mixing brands of tubes and SS gear, you have to be extra careful with proper impedance matching.  Expensive mistakes happen. 
wgs57
29 posts
 
Sorry to add to the long list of recommendations but a pair of Quicksilver V4’s should make a lovely match to your Harbeth speakers. I am pairing mine with Capriccio Continuo Admonitor’s from Italy. I listen to Jazz mostly and while I do like it louder at times in the evenings when I want to get a more concert experience...but not that loud lol. I love female vocal, piano etc. 

Bill from Nova Scotia
ggc
178 posts
 
A good friend and long time audiophile paired his Harbeth's with the Conrad Johnson Cav 45.
He is using NOS EL 34 tubes. He chose to go for an integrated and used the savings to invest in a substanital Phono Preamp. He is extreemely happy with the investment and states that it has the detailed, holographic and sweet characteristics that he is looking for. When speaking with Rogue Audio during the trials they also recomended trying KT 77 tubes as something to check out.

He was also considering 
PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated  
Rogue Audio - Cronus III
Vinnie Rossi LIO

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